117 She Returns From The Dungeon (1/2)
Jasmine stood with her back against the window, surrounded on all sides by guardswomen bearing magic resistant shields. Prince Wilbur stood behind the first row, with his carefree smile.
”H-how could you find me so quickly!?” She asked, panting for breath.
”Oh? You don't know? Everyone here wears a plaque to allow them entrance. You didn't think that the plaque you were given could be so easily emulated, could you?” Prince Wilbur pursed his lips. ”But, that clueless face of yours is priceless. I really shouldn't have said anything.”
Suddenly, Jasmine stood straight and laughed, her breath no longer ragged.
”That's right. you really shouldn't have.” She said. ”Now I have confirmed my suspicions.”
”Apprehend her, but do not cause her harm!” The Prince ordered.
But then, Jasmine disappeared in a puff of smoke, the identification plaque falling noisily to the floor.
”A body double!” Prince Wilbur's smile grew wider. ”She's becoming more and more excellent the more I know her.” He turned to the guard women. ”Quick! Search the castle! She must be here somewhere!”
The guards scattered, and the Prince leisurely walked down the hallway. Such a long chase it was. He hadn't had such fun in years.
----
Christian and Keith were stopped at the castle gates.
”But my cousin is in there! If I don't stop her, it's likely that she'll bring down the whole castle with her!” Christian argued.
”Even so, you are a man. All men aside from the royal family are not allowed in.” The guard woman replied. ”If you insist upon entering, then I will have no choice but to stop you, even if I must kill you.”
Keith shook his head and grabbed Christian's shoulder, preventing him from moving forward.
”If there is no way to enter, then we will take our leave. But, if that which you protect should be destroyed, I wonder...just what use are you as guards?” With those sharp words, he began to drag Christian away.
”Keith, what are you doing? Can't you see that these people are in danger?” Christian asked.
”If they can act like that while their castle is being torn to pieces, then they are probably not worth saving. You know that Jasmine can't stand for any kind of injustice.” Keith reminded him, and added.
”We've already been marked as hostiles now. It's natural that they will try to capture us. Jasmine can take care of things by herself. Besides, Ponzu and Gerard have no idea how to fight. We need to return to the inn and make sure they aren't taken as hostages.”
Christian clicked his tongue and set his back to the castle. If their company was taken as hostages, then Jasmine truly would be in trouble. They needed to hurry up and join up with Robin's group to make sure everyone stayed safe. ”Then, what are we waiting for? Let's hurry!”
-----
Robin's group emerged from the dungeon, eager to see the sunlight again.
”You're out quickly.” A guard noticed.
”One of my comrades is not feeling well, so we kept the trip short.” Robin explained.
”Mighty sorry to hear that. Sir Drago left a message for you. He's sorry, but the spar will have to be postponed. something has happened back at the castle, so he had no choice but to return.”
”No problem.” Robin nodded. ”We'll be heading back to town as well, then, so my companion can have a proper rest.”
”Stay safe!” The old guard bid them farewell with a salute.
Once they were out of sight, Robin began to pick up the pace.
”Why are we running?” Chelsea asked. ”Hey, why are we running?”
”It's highly likely that the cause of the commotion at the castle is either Christian, or Jasmine. Sir Drago is very skilled. If Sir Drago is on his way there, our group will be in trouble.” Robin explained. ”I do hope it's my imagination, though.”
”Well, a little exercise never hurt anyone.” Chelsea nodded. ”But I want an all-vegetable meal tonight! No meat allowed.”
”Noted.” Robin laughed.
”Master, shall I fly ahead and scout out the situation?” Skye asked.
”That would be helpful, thanks. Be careful not to be seen.” Robin nodded.
”Got it!” Skye flew away ahead of them towards town.
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